Background
The day saw the Eastern Division's 11-3 Houston Oilers in the title game for their third straight year, against the West's Dallas Texans, also at 11-3. The two teams were the class of the league that year, with the Texans thumping the Oilers at Houston 31-7 on October 28, and the Oilers returning the favor a week later, beating Dallas 14-6 at the Cotton Bowl.
Dallas, coached by the erudite Hank Stram featured on offense Abner Haynes, Len Dawson and rookie running back Curtis McClinton, a powerful 230 lb former All-American running back at Kansas. The defense would showcase Johnny Robinson and EJ Holub.
Houston, coached by Frank "Pop" Ivy featured a host of offensive talent with veteran George Blanda, Charlie Tolar, the fleet-footed but ill-fated4 Billy Cannon, Charley Hennigan, and unheralded Willard Dewveall. Jeppesen Stadium ticket takers counted 37,981 fans in attendance. Astronaut Gus Grissom placed the ball on the kicking tee as the honorary referee.1 2 3
Read more about this topic: 1962 American Football League Championship Game
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